The eunuch’s question is one which had been debated for many centuries in Judaism. Some understood it to be a reference to the people of Israel (Isaiah 41:8–9; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:1–2). Others thought that the servant referred to rulers such as David (Isaiah 37:35), or that Isaiah was describing his own suffering, following the example of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:18–20).1 Then there were those who claimed that the servant was God’s messengers (Isaiah 44:26) or a prophet with a particular mission to Israel (Isaiah 49:5–7; Isaiah 50:10). Drawing on Jesus’ own description of his life's purpose (Mark 10:45), Christians were quick to make a connection between Isaiah’s Servant and the life and death of Jesus.2 The fourth Servant Song is also referenced elsewhere in the New Testament in relation to the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 12:38; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Peter 2:24–25; Luke 22:37).3
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”